Strikers FC - Irvine

Commencing in June 2016 Small group training sessions are available to all  Strikers Orange County and Strikers ECNL players seeking to improve the technical aspects of their game as a supplement to team practices and games in order to optimize performance and assist in long term development all under the supervision of the Strikers head coaching staff. Players will be able to further develop their technical skills and improve their tactical understanding of the game while benefitting from exercises they can take away to practice as homework. These supplementary training sessions are fully endorsed and coordinated by Strikers FC & Strikers Orange County President and Director of Coaching Abner Rogers and DOC Gary & GM/Technical Coach Carine Ireland who are the designated primary coaches  running the sessions. Abner Rogers and Carine & Gary Ireland have extensive experience developing and placing players in womens college and professional soccer. Our highly regarded coaching staff have combined to offer the finest coaching available for aspiring players of all ages wishing to play elite level youth soccer, in college, internationally and professionally 

Gary and Carine Ireland's coaching philosophy epitomizes all that is essential for the complete development of young soccer players. Their emphasis on the technical aspects required in modern soccer. Working with the ball, based on the insistence of disciplined practice with the proper techniques, supplemented by repetition and more repetition. This holistic and athlete centered approach, combined with the skills and knowledge of Gary and Carine has made them unique, successful and arguably the most progressive youth soccer coaches in the US. Tom Sermanni. Head Coach, Orlando Pride (NWSL). Former USA & Australia National Team Head Coach & Canadian Womens National Team coach

One of the things that sets Abner apart from other coaches in that he really works on the development of the individual player. He is aware of the individuals technical abilities, tactical awareness and psychological development within a team setting. He won’t sacrifice individual development for the sake of a win at an early age: the emphasis is on development. Abner has worked at all levels, including the national level, and knows what it takes to get there Jerry Smith, Santa Clara University. Div 1 NCAA National Champions 2001

I have had the privilege to coach a number of talented young women the past 20 years but few with the technical sophistication of Lorrie Fair. When I asked her about her extraordinary development her reply was quick: "Gary Ireland made sure I understood everything about the ball, he was not only an amazing coach but a powerful motivator for me and my sister Ronnie...I hired Gary one summer to watch him work and I came away impressed with his knowledge, his energy and his professionalism. He is a brilliant developer of talent Anson Dorrance: 23-time National Champion, University of North Carolina, 1991 Women’s World Cup Champion as USA coach.  NCAA Women's Soccer Coach of the Year eight times. Elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame

It is refreshing to know we have coaches of the caliber of Abner Rogers involved in the development of women’s soccer. Southern California is truly fortunate to have him Garrett Smith, University of Portland. NCAA 2002 & 2005 Div 1 National Champions

Gary & Carine have taught me that not only do the soccer skills and strategies take you to the top, but the passion of the game and attitude of the player. Over the past 4 years they have helped me developed nto the player i am today and continue to provide guidance and instruction for the player i want to become. They have provided me with an environment where they have encouraged me to play with older and better players, and have introduced me to players on the US and Greek National team, as well as many collegiate players. They are always willing to come out and train every day and through their teachings i have had so much success. They are also in the process of helping my family and I with my college recruiting and are striving to help me get into the best college that will continue to help me improve Veronica Perez, Current PSV Union Staff coach & current Mexico Womens National Team player. State and Regional team player 2002-2004. National Pool player. 2003, 2004. USA U23 National team & University of Washington Huskies standout